What is the state of the high-end eyewear category today?

While the luxury goods market shrunk by 20% in 2020, according to Bain, due to the pandemic’s tailspin, its fast recovery is remarkable—analysts predict a near-full return to 2019 revenues in 2021. To wit, as consumers re-emerge from their Covid cocoons, reunion dressing and “revenge buying” shopping sprees are on the rise.

Photographed by JURGEN REISCH • Still Life by DAVID KRESSLER
Styled + Directed by ERINN MORGAN
Styling Associates: CHRISTINE REISCH + KERRI ANN RAIMO
Art Direction by WILLIAM PFAFF • Fitting Optician: JULIA GOGOSHA
Hair + Makeup: LAUREN LANCASTER / ART DEPARTMENT
Model: AMIYAH MCGRAW / L.A. MODELS

Trend #1:

Bold Details.

The Jimmy Choo Cloe/S is an oversized, sophisticated sunglass style from Safilo that speaks for itself with hand-applied Swarovski ultrafine crystal rock fabric on both the sides and temples.

Trend #2:

Angular Ideas.

The Dita Perplexer style is an angular sunglass design inspired by geometry, punctuated with gold detailing and gradient lenses.

Trend #3:

Sophisticated Hues.

The sought-after hues of the season tap into colors that are both sophisticated and saturated. From top: The Chopard SCHF10S from De Rigo REM channels a retro vibe and delivers on interesting details, including Swarovski crystals. The Celine CL50085I from Thélios brings forward a translucent crystal effect in an oversized, of-the-moment square silhouette.

Trend #4:

‘70s Is the Vibe.

The Lanvin LNV107S from Marchon Eyewear channels a bold oversized retro look in a clean, sophisticated design with lightly shaded lenses.

Trend #5:

Color Is the Point.

Unique plays on color—combined with otherworldly shapes—bring a sense of renewal this season to luxe specs. From top: The Pucci EP0159 sunglass from Marcolin is a deluxe ’70s square silhouette detailed with sophisticated color accents. The l.a.Eyeworks Castanet optical style is a scalloped cat-eye covered in a clever plaid print. The Prada PR25XS from Luxottica is an upswept cat-eye sunglass in a sophisticated creamy off-white hue highlighted across the brow bar with rich layers of tortoise and brown acetate.